UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian capital Damascus on Tuesday 9th of November
According to the Middle East Forum, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, met with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad in Damascus on the 9th of November, as they discussed the prospects of renewing bilateral relations and enhance communication.
Sheikh Abdullah is the most senior Emirati official to visit Syria since the war broke out 10 years ago.
As Syria grapples with deteriorating economic situation, this is viewed as a positive sign to end the country’s isolation and develop cooperation with neighbouring Arab countries.
Sheikh Abdullah stressed his intention to ensure “security, stability and unity of Syria, and its support for all efforts made to end the Syrian crisis, consolidate stability in the country and meet the aspirations of the Syrian people for development, progress and prosperity”.
Anwar Gargash, a diplomatic advisor to the Emirates president took to twitter and said:
The UAE broke ties with Syrian in February of 2012 amid nationwide protests demanding regime change. While the US opposed any move by its allies to normalize ties with Assad’s government, the UAE opened its embassy in Damascus in December of 2018.